U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will be keynote speaker at Women’s History Month 2014 at Windward Community College, celebrating the important contributions of women from Hawai‘i and around the world. The nationwide theme for this year is “Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment.” All events will take place in Hale ‘Ākoakoa 105 and are FREE and open to the public. Everyone is invited to participate in discussions with the speakers.

MARCH WOMENʻS HISTORY MONTH EVENTS:Congresswoman Tulsi GabbardMonday, March 173 - 4 p.m. (schedule is subject to change)Representing Hawai‘i’s 2nd Congressional District, Tulsi Gabbard is one of the first two female combat veterans, first Hindu and first female of Samoan ancestry to ever serve as a member of the U.S. Congress. Among other topics, Congresswoman Gabbard will discuss issues facing women in the military, her journey to Washington, and some of the lessons learned from her time in office.

“Voices from the Inside”Tuesday, March 1810 - 11 a.m.Inmates at the Women’s Community Correctional Center will discuss how they have discovered forgiveness and healing through creative programs like “Voices from the Inside,” where they find hope through writing, poetry and performance.

The Glades Project with filmmaker Connie M. FlorezThursday, March 2011:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.How do transgender individuals view womanhood and identity? Director/producer of The Glades Project, Connie Florez will discuss her feature documentary film about an integral part of Hawai‘i’s culture and history that has been kept in the dark until now. The film follows local mahu (transgender) during the 60s and 70s at the Glade Show Lounge located on Hotel Street in Chinatown, where genders were blurred—ordinary boys became beautiful girls.

For more information, contact Women’s History Month coordinator and WCC Assistant Professor of Sociology Kathleen French at 236-9223 or kfrench@hawaii.edu. Visit the website at windward.hawaii.edu/whm.